Multipack of several containers held together by adhesive

ABSTRACT

A multipack of containers comprises several containers ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ) held together by adhesive means extending between the outer surfaces of adjacent containers ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ). The outer surface of each container ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ) is provided with a unitary code on a first region of outer surface and with a multipack code ( 3 ) on a second region of the outer surface. The first region of the outer surface of each container ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ) is adjacent to the outer surface of one of the several containers ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ) of the multipack, thus hiding the unitary code. The second region of the outer surface of at least one ( 15 ) of the several containers ( 11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ) is visible from the outside of the multipack.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a multipack of containers comprising severalcontainers held together by adhesive means.

It also relates to a container for such a multipack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to provide an arrangement of multiple identical containersassembled together for sale. Generally, such a multipack comprises aneven number of containers, between 4 and 10 containers for example.

The consumer may buy the multipack, and the price of the multipack isset and encoded using a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) such as a barcode. Thus, the multipack must be provided with the multipack GTIN.

However, the need to sell individually the container exists, andsometimes is compulsory according to specific trade regulations in somecountries.

As a consequence, each container has to be provided with a singlecontainer GTIN in order to set and encode the unitary price of eachcontainer.

Usually, in order to make distinctive the unitary price of eachcontainer and the global price of the multipack, the multipack GTIN isprovided on the packaging of the multipack, such as a plastic shrinkfilm covering together the multiple containers of the multipack or ahandle fastened to the multipack.

However, in a context of increase pressure on sustainability, secondarypackaging such as a plastic shrink film has to be avoided.

There exists a need to provide a multipack of containers without anysecondary packaging, and in a general way, without any additionalplastic means for maintaining together the containers of a multipack orfor providing information (legal mentions, brand, nutritionalinformation, opening explanations, etc.) regarding the multipack or eachcontainer of the multipack.

EP 2 729 377 discloses a device to assemble individual containers bymean of glue dots, which does not require a secondary packaging. Amultipack of containers is thus formed, comprising several containersheld together by adhesive means extending between the outer surfaces ofadjacent containers of the multipack.

EP 2 729 377 describes a pack formed out of a container group having forexample six containers, with at least one axially aligned contact regionextending between adjacent containers. A plurality ofcontact-or-touching surfaces lie in the contact region and eachcontact-or-touching surface may be provided with a bonding agent andadhesive. The distribution of adhesive on the contact-or-touching regionmay be executed as a strip parallel to container vertical axis, or maybe punctiform or discontinuous.

For example, each container has four contact-or-touching surfaces, twoof which are disposed near the top end of the container and two of whichare disposed near the bottom end of the container. The two top endcontact-or-touching surfaces are offset by 90° relative to one anotherwhen viewed in the circumferential direction of the container. The sameapplies for the two bottom end contact-or-touching surfaces.

Thus, for a pack of six containers, the pack exhibits three containersin each of two rows, with two outer containers touching each other andcentral containers by their contact-or-touching surfaces.

However, this solution requires the use of an additional component inorder to provide the multipack GTIN and other useful information. Forexample, a carrying handle is fastened to the pack and is printed orlabelled with needed information. The carrying handle is for exampleglued on an outer periphery of the central containers of the pack.

EP 3 105 133 also describes individual containers held together by meansof glue dots, without a secondary packaging. An information carrier isinserted on the container pack and is fastened to the multipack by usingthe same glue dots as the one used for fastening the containerstogether.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pack ofcontainers which overcomes at least some disadvantages of the prior artsolutions.

More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a multipack ofcontainers which does not require the use of a secondary packaging oradditional means for providing the multipack with needed tradeinformation.

This object is solved by the independent claims. The dependent claimsdefine further preferred embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a multipack of containers comprising severalcontainers held together by adhesive means extending between the outersurfaces of adjacent containers of the multipack.

According to the invention, the outer surface of each container isprovided with a unitary code on a first region of the outer surface andwith an area for a multipack code on a second region of the outersurface, the first region of the outer surface of each container beingadjacent to the outer surface of one amongst the several containers ofthe multipack, and a second region of the outer surface of at least oneamongst the several containers being visible from the outside of themultipack.

Thanks to the specific arrangement of the containers in the multipack,accidental scanning of the unitary code of a single container (singlecontainer GTIN) instead of the multipack code (multipack GTIN) isavoided when the multipack is scanned for sale by a barcode readerconnected to a cash register.

Such an arrangement permits to avoid to add a transporting handle forproviding some information regarding the multipack such as the multipackcode (multipack GTIN).

No additional component, such as plastic shrink film or plastic handle,is required, improving the sustainability of the multipack.

In an embodiment, the first region and the second region of the outersurface of each container extend between 60° and 120° from each other,more preferably between 75° and 105°, and most preferably at 90° fromeach other about a central longitudinal axis of the container.

In another embodiment, the first region and the second region of theouter surface of each container extend between 150° and 210° from eachother, more preferably between 165° and 195°, and most preferably at180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of the container.

By modifying the orientation of some containers about their centrallongitudinal axes in the multipack, the first region of the outersurface may be hidden and the second region of the outer surface may bevisible from the outside of the multipack.

In practice, the multipack comprises at least one or at least two rowsof several containers.

According to one embodiment, adhesive means comprise a number ofadhesive dots sticking the outer surfaces of adjacent containers of saidmultipack.

Using adhesive dots permits to hold the containers together in themultipack while making easy to separate the containers from themultipack for consumption.

According to one embodiment, each container of a first row is stuck withone adjacent container of a second row by only one adhesive dot locatedsubstantially at a first end of a common longitudinal axis of saidadjacent containers.

This first end can be located near the top of the container or near thebottom of the container; the location can vary alternatively from onecontainer to another.

Combined with the sticking of the containers in each row, the multipackmay be formed with a limited numbers of adhesive dots.

if the adhesive dot sticking the adjacent containers of the differentrows is located near the top end of the containers, the structure of thepack is enhanced and the containers are maintained against each other bythe pull of gravity.

Moreover, the rows of the multipack may be separated easily, by applyinga spacing force at the level of the second, opposed, end of the commonlongitudinal axis of the adjacent containers of the different rows.

According to another embodiment, each row comprises two outsidecontainers and at least one central container between said two outsidecontainers, each container of a first row is stuck with one adjacentcontainer of a second row by one adhesive dot located substantially at afirst end of a common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers, andthe central containers are stuck by another adhesive dot locatedsubstantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis of theadjacent central containers.

The holding of the containers in the multipack is thus enhanced, and themanipulation of the multipack may be facilitated.

In another embodiment, each container of a first row is stuck with oneadjacent container of a second row by two adhesive dots, a firstadhesive dot being located in a first half of the common longitudinalaxis of said containers and a second adhesive dot being located in thesecond half of said common longitudinal axis of said containers.

In practice, the containers of each row are stuck to each other by twoadhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the adjacentcontainers, a first adhesive dot being located substantially at a firstend of the common longitudinal axis and a second adhesive dot beinglocated substantially at a second, opposed, end of the commonlongitudinal axis.

The containers of each row are thus firmly stuck each other and may bemaintained together in the multipack without any additional means aroundthe row of containers.

Alternatively, the containers of each row are stuck to each other by twoadhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axis of the adjacentcontainers, a first adhesive dot being located substantially at a firstend of the common longitudinal axis and a second adhesive dot beinglocated substantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis.

The containers of each row are also firmly stuck each other and may bemaintained together in the multipack without any additional means aroundthe row of containers.

Preferably, each row comprises between two and seven containers, andpreferably between three and five containers, and more preferablybetween three and four containers.

Advantageously, a second region of the outer surface of at least twoamongst said several containers is visible from the outside of themultipack.

The second region with the multipack code may be visible at severallocations from the outside of the multipack, helping the scanningoperation by a barcode reader.

The invention is notably advantageous when the several containers arecans having a substantially cylindrical shape.

According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a containerfor a multipack according to the invention, wherein the outer surface ofthe container is provided with a unitary code on a first region of saidouter surface and with an area for a multipack code on a second regionof said outer surface.

Such a container is well adapted to be included in a multipack accordingto the invention.

Preferably, the first region and the second region are respectivelydisposed on two different sides of the container.

In practice, the first region and the second region are respectivelydisposed between 60° and 120° from each other, more preferably between75° and 105°, and most preferably at 90° from each other about a centrallongitudinal axis of the container.

In another embodiment, the first region and the second region arerespectively disposed between 150° and 210° from each other, morepreferably between 165° and 195°, and most preferably at 180° from eachother about a central longitudinal axis of the container.

By modifying the orientation of some containers about their centrallongitudinal axes when forming a multipack, the first region of theouter surface may be hidden inside the multipack and the second regionof the outer surface may be visible from the outside of the multipack.

Advantageously, the outer surface of the side of the container providedwith an area for the multipack code is also provided with openingexplanation section with information for opening the multipack.

Thus, when the second region of the outer surface of the container isvisible from the outside of the multipack, the opening informationprovided on the same side of the container is also available for theconsumer before opening the multipack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the description of thepresently preferred embodiments which are set out below with referenceto the drawing in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a first layout of the unitary code, multipack codeand other information on the external surface of a container accordingto an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a second layout of the unitary code, multipack codeand other information on the external surface of a container accordingto another embodiment of the invention

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a container with the firstlayout of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 2C and 2D are perspective views of a container with the secondlayout of FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 3A to 3C depict a multipack of four containers with the firstlayout according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4D depict a multipack of six containers with the firstlayout according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4E to 4H depict a multipack of six containers with the secondlayout according to a third embodiment of the invention

FIGS. 5A to 5C depict a multipack of eight containers with the firstlayout according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 6A to 6D depict different ways to stick together two adjacentcontainers of a multipack according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First, a container 10 according to one embodiment of the invention isdescribed here below, as depicted in FIG. 1A and FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The container is well adapted to pack various beverages such assparkling water, fruit juice, soda, beer, ...

In the following, the container 10 is depicted as a can, with asubstantially cylindrical shape. As known, the container 10 has a top 10a with opening means (not illustrated) for drinking or pouring thebeverage, and a bottom 10 b, opposite to the top 10 a. Between the top10 a and the bottom 10 b extends a cylindrical outer surface 10 c of thecontainer 10.

The size and the shape of such cans are well known and no furtherdescription is needed here. The cans may be formed in aluminium.

Of course, the shape of the containers according to the invention may bevarious, and for example be shaped as a rectangular cuboid package madein cardboard or a bottle in any kind of plastic.

The container 10 is intended to be sold in a group or alone.

For sale, the outer surface 10 c of the container 10 is provided withinformation comprising at least a unitary code and a multipack code.

In practice, the outer surface 10 c of the container is provided with aunitary code and an area for a multipack code. Thus the outer surfacehas a dedicated or specific area for the multipack code which may beprinted or stuck after forming the multipack.

In all the following description, the unitary code corresponds to atrade code known as Global Trade Item Number or GTIN associated to thesingle or independent container 10, which may be sold alone.

The multipack code corresponds to a trade code known as Global TradeItem Number or GTIN associated to the multipack or grouped containers,which may be sold all together, as a whole.

As known, GTIN may be usually a barcode. But any other type of code maybe used and are encompassed within the scope of unitary code andmultipack code in the following description.

Thus, a QR code (Quick response code) or matrix code may be used andprinted on the outer surface 10 c of the container 10. A tag RFID (RadioFrequency Identification) as a multipack code may also be used and stuckon the outer surface 10 c of the container 10.

The multipack code can be applied after the multipack has beenconstituted on the filling and packing line. The application of themultipack code is done on a specific or dedicated area or zone on theouter surface of the container. The area for receiving the multipackcode may be an unprinted area or a monochromatic printed area.

The application of the multipack code can be done via printing on line,via laser activation of specific pigment of ink applied on the containerduring its manufacturing or by applying a sticker.

Thus, the identification of the multipack is done after the multipack isproduced. This is advantageous since different multipacks, with four,six or even more containers, may be produced without the need to providetwo different types of containers with different multipack codes printedon the outer surfaces of the containers.

Of course, the container may also be provided with the multipack code onthe outer surface before forming the multipack. In this case, themultipack code may be printed at the same time as the unitary code.

In the following, the layout of the information of the outer surface ofthe container is described, showing the multipack code printed on thecontainer before forming the multipack. However, the whole followingdescription also applies to a container with a dedicated or specificarea for applying the multipack code after forming the multipack.

FIG. 1A illustrates an arrangement of the unitary code, the multipackcode and other information on the outer surface 10 c of a container 10.

Other information may comprise branding information, legal informationregarding the content of the container, and opening information forexplaining how to separate a container from the multipack.

The artwork layout is organized for example as depicted on FIG. 1A.

First, a brand section 1 with the branding information is available on afront side of the container 10. This information is useful tocommunicate with the consumers, notably in the shop and at the time ofthe purchase of the multipack.

Other information is disposed around the outer surface 10 c of thecontainer 10.

Thus, if a 0° position is defined in the middle of the front side of thecontainer 10, other information is disposed from the front side, at anangular distance about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

First, a unitary code 2 is disposed and available on a first lateralside of the container 10, at 90° from the front side of the container10.

Secondly, a multipack code 3 or an area for further applying a multipackcode, is disposed and available on a back side of the container 10, at180° from the front side of the container 10.

Moreover, an opening explanation section 4 with opening information isalso available on the back side of the container 10, at 180° from thefront side of the container 10. The opening information may explain tothe consumers how to open the multipack and/or how to remove onecontainer 10 from the multipack.

Advantageously, as depicted in FIG. 1A, the multipack code 3 and theopening explanation section 4 are disposed on the same side of thecontainer 10, here the back side.

Finally, legal mentions 5 may be added on the outer surface 10 c of thecontainer 10, for example on both lateral sides of the container, at 90°from the front side of the container 10 and at 270° from the front sideof the container 10.

Of course, this artwork layout is just an example and is not limitative.

Another layout is depicted in FIG. 1B.

As in the layout depicted in FIG. 1A, a brand section 1 with thebranding information is available on a front side of the container 10.

First, a unitary code 2 is disposed and available on a first lateralside of the container 10, at 90° from the front side of the container10.

Secondly, a multipack code 3 or an area for further applying a multipackcode, is disposed and available at 270° from the front side of thecontainer 10.

Moreover, an opening explanation section 4 with opening information isavailable on the back side of the container 10, at 180° from the frontside of the container 10.

Finally, legal mentions 5 may be added on the outer surface 10 c of thecontainer 10, for example on both lateral sides of the container, at 90°from the front side of the container 10 and at 270° from the front sideof the container 10.

The main feature is to provide the outer surface 10 c of the containerwith a unitary code 2 on a first region of the outer surface 10 c andwith a multipack code 3 on a second region of the outer surface 10 c,the first region and the second region being respectively disposed ontwo different sides of the container 10.

Thus, as depicted in FIG. 1A, the unitary code 2 and the multipack code3 are disposed here on a lateral side and a back side of the container10, at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of thecontainer 10.

Of course, this arrangement is only an example, and more generally, theunitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 may be disposed between 60° and120° from each other, and more preferably between 75° and 105° from eachother about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Moreover, as depicted in FIG. 1B, the unitary code 2 and the multipackcode 3 are disposed respectively on two opposed sides of the container10, at 180° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of thecontainer 10.

Of course, this arrangement is only an example, and more generally, theunitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 may be disposed between 150° and210° from each other, and more preferably between 165° and 195°from eachother about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a container 10 with the artwork layout ofFIG. 1A.

Thus, FIG. 2A shows the container 10, with brand section 1 on the frontside, and the unitary code 2 on the right of the FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2B shows the container 10, with opening explanation section 4 andmultipack code 3 on the back side, and the unitary code 2 on the left ofthe FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate a container 10 with the artwork layout ofFIG. 1B.

Thus, FIG. 2C shows the container 10, with the unitary code 2 on a firstlateral side of the container 10.

FIG. 2D shows the container 10, with the multipack code 3 on the second,opposed, lateral side of the container 10.

As explained hereafter, such a container 10 is well adapted to be soldin a multipack of containers 10.

Indeed, by modifying the orientation of some containers about theircentral longitudinal axes when forming the multipack, the unitary code 2may be hidden inside the multipack and the multipack code 3 may bevisible from the outside of the multipack.

Thus, there is no need to provide the multipack with additionalcommunication means to carry the multipack code.

FIGS. 3A to 3C depict for example a pack of four containers 11, 12, 13,14 assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the four containers11, 12, 13, 14 and to make visible at least one multipack code 3. Inthis embodiment, the layout of the information on the outer surface ofthe container 10 is according to the one depicted on FIG. 1A, with theunitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 90° from each otherabout a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

FIGS. 4A to 4D depict a pack of six containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the six containers 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and to make visible at least one multipack code 3. Inthis embodiment, the layout of the information on the outer surface ofthe container 10 is according to the one depicted on FIG. 1A, with theunitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 90° from each otherabout a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

FIGS. 4E to 4H depict a pack of six containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the six containers 11,12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and to make visible at least one multipack code 3. Inthis embodiment, the layout of the information on the outer surface ofthe container 10 is according to the one depicted on FIG. 1B, with theunitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 180° from each otherabout a central longitudinal axis of the container 10.

FIGS. 5A to 5C depict a pack of eight containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18 assembled in order to hide the unitary codes 2 of the eightcontainers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and to make visible at leastone multipack code 3. In this embodiment, the layout of the informationon the outer surface of the container 10 is according to the onedepicted on FIG. 1A, with the unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3disposed at 90° from each other about a central longitudinal axis of thecontainer 10.

Each multipack of containers thus comprises several, preferablyidentical, containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

In practice, each multipack is formed of two rows of several containers11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

Thus, in FIGS. 3A to 3C, a first row comprises two containers 11, 13 anda second row comprises two containers 12, 14.

In FIGS. 4A to 4E, a first row comprises three containers 11, 13, 15 anda second row comprises three containers 12, 14, 16.

Finally, in FIGS. 5A to 5C, a first row comprises four containers 11,13, 15, 17 and a second row comprises four containers 12, 14, 16, 18.

Of course, the number of containers in each row may be higher and forexample, may be equal to five, six or even seven containers.

As visible on the figures, the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16,18 of each row are aligned and adjacent two at a time. Moreover, eachcontainer 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of one row is adjacent toanother container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the other row.

The arrangement of the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 in themultipack is such as the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 areassembled to hide the unitary code 2 and make visible at least onemultipack code 3.

For instance, the assembling apparatus for forming the multipackcomprises a carrousel transporting the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18. The containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are fulfilledpreviously and hermetically closed.

A camera or scanning device records an image of the containers 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 as positioned in the carrousel. The image iscompared with an image database in order to detect the initialorientation of each container when entering into the carousel. Then, aservo motor displaces each container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 inaccordance to the initial orientation of the container, in order toposition each container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 according to aspecific orientation, which corresponds to the desired orientation ofthe container into the multipack.

For example, the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are firstaligned in two rows and disposed with the front face supporting thebranding information 1 in the same orientation, corresponding to a firstorientation indexed at 0°.

Then, if the unitary codes 2 are located at the right of the containers11, 13, 15, 17, the last container 13, 15, 17 of the row on the righthas to be rotated 180°.

If the unitary codes 2 are located at the left of the containers 12, 14,16, 18, the last container 12 of the row on the left has to be rotated180°.

Due to this rotation, in each row of the multipack, a first region withthe unitary code 2 of each container is adjacent to the outer surface ofanother container of the same row of the multipack.

Referring to FIG. 4A for example, the unitary code 2 of the container 11is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13; theunitary code 2 of the container 13 is adjacent to the outer surface ofthe adjacent container 15; and the unitary code 2 of the container 15 isadjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13. A similardisposition applies for the second row of containers 12, 14, 16.

Thus, the unitary code 2 is hidden inside the multipack and anyaccidental scanning of the unitary code 2 of a single container (singlecontainer GTIN) is avoided when the multipack is scanned for sale.

On the contrary, a second region with the multipack code 3 of at leastone container is visible from the outside of the multipack.

Referring again to FIG. 4A, each rotated container 12, 15 in each rowprovides a multipack code 3 visible from the outside of the multipack.

Thus, the multipack code 3 is directly readable on a container of themultipack, avoiding to add a handle or a plastic shrink film around themultipack for providing the same with the multipack code.

In the described embodiment, the multipack code 3 is visible on theouter surface of each rotated container 12, 15, at two differentlocations of the multipack. This arrangement helps the scanningoperation by a barcode reader of the multipack.

Finally, in the disclosed embodiment, the multipack code 3 and theopening explanation section 4 are disposed on the same side of thecontainer 10. Thus, the opening explanation section 4 is also visiblefrom the outside of the multipack, helping the consumer to handle andopen the multipack.

Of course, the arrangement described here is not limitative.

Referring to FIG. 4E for example, the unitary code 2 of the container 11is adjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13; theunitary code 2 of the container 13 is adjacent to the outer surface ofthe adjacent container 15; and the unitary code 2 of the container 15 isadjacent to the outer surface of the adjacent container 13. A similardisposition applies for the second row of containers 12, 14, 16.

Thus, the unitary code 2 is hidden inside the multipack and anyaccidental scanning of the unitary code 2 of a single container (singlecontainer GTIN) is avoided when the multipack is scanned for sale.

On the contrary, a second region with the multipack code 3 of at leastone container is visible from the outside of the multipack.

Referring again to FIG. 4E, each outside container 11, 12, 15, 16 ineach row provides a multipack code 3 visible from the outside of themultipack.

The multipack codes 4 are thus visible on the small sides of themultipack.

Thus, at least one multipack code 3 is directly readable on a containerof the multipack, avoiding to add a handle or a plastic shrink filmaround the multipack or any other means for providing the same with themultipack code. The arrangements depicted in the FIGS. 3A to 5C are notlimitative.

Thus, when the layout is according to the one depicted on FIG. 1B, withthe unitary code 2 and the multipack code 3 disposed at 180° from eachother about a central longitudinal axis of the container 10, themultipack may comprise only one row of containers, such as a row of thecontainers 11, 13, 15, 17 for example.

Alternatively, the multipack may comprise more than two rows, and forexample three or four rows of containers.

In order to avoid additional securing means, the containers 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the multipack are held together by adhesive meansextending between the outer surfaces of adjacent containers 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18 of the multipack.

Preferably, adhesive means comprise a number of adhesive dots stickingthe outer surfaces of adjacent containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18of the multipack.

Using adhesive dots permits to hold the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,16, 17, 18 together in the multipack while making easy to separate thecontainers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 from the multipack forconsumption.

The adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive for example.

In a practical way, the adhesive dots are applied on some portions ofthe outer surface of the container 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 andthe containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 are pressed againsttogether in order to stick the containers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18together and form the multipack.

FIGS. 6A to 6D illustrates different ways to stick together two adjacentcontainers 10′, 10″ of a multipack. As well understood, the containers10′, 10″ are separated on the FIGS. 6A to 6D in order to show thelocations of the adhesive dots (double arrow) between the containers. Ofcourse, the containers 10′, 10″ are adjacent when stuck, with a commonlongitudinal axis extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis Xof the containers 10′, 10″.

In a first way WA, illustrated in FIG. 6A, a container 10′ is stuck withone adjacent container 10″ by only one adhesive dot locatedsubstantially at a first end of the common longitudinal axis of theadjacent containers 10′, 10″. The first end of the common longitudinalaxis is here near the bottom 10′b, 10″b of the adjacent containers 10′,10″.

In a second way WB, illustrated in FIG. 6B, a container 10′ is stuckwith one adjacent container 10″ by two adhesive dots. A first adhesivedot is located substantially at a first end of the common longitudinalaxis of the adjacent containers 10′, 10″ and a second adhesive dot islocated substantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis ofthe adjacent containers 10′, 10″.

The first end of the common longitudinal axis is here near the bottom10′b, 10″b of the adjacent containers 10′, 10″. The second adhesive dotis preferably in the middle of the adjacent containers 10′, 10″. It mayalso be disposed somewhere between the bottom 10′b, 10″b and the middleof the adjacent containers 10′, 10″. As an alternative, it has to benoticed that the first end can also be located near the top.

In a third way WC, illustrated in FIG. 6C, a container 10′ is stuck withone adjacent container 10″ by two adhesive dots. A first adhesive dot islocated at in a first half of the common longitudinal axis of theadjacent containers 10′, 10″ and a second adhesive dot is located in thesecond half of the common longitudinal axis of the adjacent containers10′, 10″.

The first half of the common longitudinal axis is near the bottom 10′b,10″b of the adjacent containers 10′, 10″. It may also be disposedsomewhere between the bottom 10′b, 10″b and the middle of the adjacentcontainers 10′, 10″. The second half of the common longitudinal axis isnear the top 10′a, 10″a of the adjacent containers 10′, 10″. It may alsobe disposed somewhere between the top 10′a, 10″a and the middle of theadjacent containers 10′, 10″.

In a fourth way WD, illustrated in FIG. 6D, a container 10′ is stuckwith one adjacent container 10″ by only one adhesive dot locatedsubstantially at a first end of the common longitudinal axis of theadjacent containers 10′, 10″.

The first end of the common longitudinal axis is here near the top 10′a,10″a of the adjacent containers 10′, 10″.

These different ways WA, WB, WC, WD may be used to stick together thecontainers 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and form the multipack. Thesedifferent ways WA, WB, WC, WD may be mixed in the same multipack forsticking by pair two adjacent containers in the multipack, depending onthe location of the containers in the multipack.

For instance, the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row and thecontainers 12, 14, 16, 18 of the second row may be stuck in each row byusing the third way WC.

The containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 of each row are firmlystuck each other, near the bottom and the top of each container. Theymay be maintained together in the multipack without any additional meansaround.

However, if one wants to make easier the separation of the containers11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 in each row by the consumer, thecontainers 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row and the containers 12, 14, 16,18 of the second row may be stuck in each row by using the second wayWB.

The containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 of each row maydetached by applying a shear force on the adhesive dots for example.

Moreover, each container 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row is stuck with oneadjacent container 12, 14, 16, 18 of a second row by using the first wayWA.

Alternatively, each container 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first row may be stuckwith one adjacent container 12, 14, 16, 18 of a second row by using thefourth way WD.

During carrying by the consumer, the sticking of the containers 10′, 10″near their tops 10′a, 10″a is sufficient to maintain the containers incontact with each other in the multipack thanks to the pull of gravity.

Thus, the multipack may be formed with a limited numbers of adhesivedots.

For example, referring again to FIG. 4A, the multipack has only elevenadhesive dots.

Moreover, the rows of the multipack may be separated only by applying aspacing force at the level of a second end of the common longitudinalaxis of the adjacent containers of the different rows, opposed to thefirst end where are located the adhesive dots.

Thus, when the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18 of each roware stuck by using the first way WA, the consumer may separate the tworows of containers by moving apart the containers of each row at thelevel of the top of the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 and 12, 14, 16, 18.

Alternatively, the holding of the containers in the multipack may bestrengthened by adding additional adhesive dots.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, when each row comprises twooutside containers 11, 17 and 12, 18, and at least one central container13, 15 and 14, 16 between the outside containers 11, 17 and 12, 18, thecentral containers 13, 15 of a first row are stuck to the centralcontainers 14, 16 of the second row by using the second way WB. Theoutside containers 11, 17 of a first row are stuck to the outsidecontainers 12, 18 of the second row by using the first way WA.

The manipulation of the multipack may be facilitated: for example, theuser may carry the multipack by holding one of the central containers.

In another embodiment, all the containers 11, 13, 15, 17 of a first roware stuck to the adjacent containers 12, 14, 16, 18 of the second row byusing the second way WB.

The holding of the containers in the multipack is thus strengthenedagain. The user may carry the multipack by holding one of containers

Of course, the above description made with reference to the embodimentof the FIG. 5A may also be applied to any embodiments with more than twocontainers in each row of the multipack, and notably to the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 4A to 4D and 4E to 4H.

The invention provides thus an arrangement of the containers which isadvantageous since a multipack may be formed, without the need of ahandle or a plastic shrink film, which provides high sustainabilitybenefits.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings. However, the illustrative embodiments describedin the detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made, withoutdeparting from the scope of the claimed subject-matter presented here.

It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in thefigures may be arranged, substituted, combined and designated in a widevariety of different configurations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated and make part of this disclosure.

In the drawings, similar symbols and references typically identifysimilar components, unless context dictates otherwise.

As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising” andsimilar words are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustivesense. In other words, they are intended to mean including but notlimited to.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

1. A multipack of containers comprising several containers held togetherby adhesive member extending between the outer surfaces of adjacentcontainers of said multipack, characterized in that the outer surface ofeach container is provided with a unitary code on a first region of saidouter surface and with an area for a multipack code on a second regionof said outer surface, said first region of the outer surface of eachcontainer being adjacent to the outer surface of one amongst saidseveral containers of said multipack, and a second region of the outersurface of at least one amongst said several containers being visiblefrom the outside of the multipack.
 2. A multipack according to claim 1,wherein said first region and said second region of the outer surface ofeach container extend between 60° and 120° from each other, about acentral longitudinal axis of the container.
 3. A multipack according toclaim 1, wherein said first region and said second region of the outersurface of each container extend between 150° and 210° from each other,about a central longitudinal axis of the container.
 4. A multipackaccording to claim 3, wherein said multipack comprises at least one rowof several containers.
 5. A multipack according to claim 1, wherein saidmultipack comprises at least two rows of several containers.
 6. Amultipack according to claim 5, wherein each container of a first row isstuck with one adjacent container of a second row by only one adhesivedot located substantially at a first end of a common longitudinal axisof said adjacent containers.
 7. A multipack according to claim 5,wherein each row comprises two outside containers and at least onecentral container between said two outside containerswherein eachcontainer of a first row is stuck with one adjacent container of asecond row by one adhesive dot located substantially at a first end of acommon longitudinal axis of said adjacent containers, and wherein saidcentral containers are stuck by another adhesive dot locatedsubstantially in the middle of the common longitudinal axis of theadjacent central containers.
 8. A multipack according to claim 5,wherein each container of a first row is stuck with one adjacentcontainer of a second row by two adhesive dots, a first adhesive dotbeing located in a first half of the common longitudinal axis of saidcontainers and a second adhesive dot being located in the second half ofsaid common longitudinal axis of said containers.
 9. A multipackaccording to claim 4, wherein the containers of each row are stuck toeach other by two adhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axisof said adjacent containers, a first adhesive dot being locatedsubstantially at a first end of said common longitudinal axis and asecond adhesive dot being located substantially at a second, opposed,end of said common longitudinal axis.
 10. A multipack according to claim4, wherein the containers of each row are stuck to each other by twoadhesive dots aligned along a common longitudinal axis of said adjacentcontainers, a first adhesive dot being located substantially at a firstend of said common longitudinal axis and a second adhesive dot beinglocated substantially in the middle of said common longitudinal axis.11. A multipack according to claim 4, wherein each row comprises betweentwo and seven containers.
 12. A multipack according to claim 1, whereina second region of the outer surface of at least two amongst saidseveral containers is visible from the outside of the multipack.
 13. Amultipack according to claim 1, wherein said several containers are canshaving a substantially cylindrical shape.
 14. A container for amultipack according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of thecontainer is provided with a unitary code on a first region of saidouter surface and with an area for a multipack code on a second regionof said outer surface.
 15. A container according to claim 14, whereinsaid first region and said second region are respectively disposed ontwo different sides of the container.
 16. A container according to claim14, wherein said first region and said second region are respectivelydisposed between 60° and 120° from each other about a centrallongitudinal axis of the container.
 17. A container according to claim14, wherein said first region and said second region are respectivelydisposed between 150° and 210° from each otherat about a centrallongitudinal axis of the container.